The difference between braces and Invisalign

Teeth straightening and whitening are becoming increasingly popular, and there’s no surprise! This specific treatment combination provides a huge impact and a stunning result. Teeth straightening can have profound benefits not only aesthetically, but also from an oral health perspective. A massive benefit of aligning teeth is that typically the chance of gum disease is lowered. Overcrowding of the teeth can make it more tricky to practise inter-dental care. So, what are the available teeth straightening treatments?

Invisalign, also described as ‘invisible braces’ is by far the most popular teeth straightening treatment at the moment. They’re worn by many, including celebrities and quite possibly your friends or family! Invisalign is a suitable treatment for the vast majority of people with misalignment, although some complex cases may be referred to traditional methods such as metal braces. An example of a complex case would typically include severe bite issues.

Invisalign works by using a clear plastic aligner, with Invisalign attachments to slowly move your teeth with each new aligner change. You may be thinking, what are Invisalign attachments? They are small pieces of composite material bonded to your teeth, they help to align and rote teeth in line with the aligner.

These attachments will be removed without any damage caused to your teeth at the end of your treatment. You will receive all of your Invisalign aligners at the beginning of your treatment, and you can change the aligner every 10 days to ensure your teeth are shifting towards a beautifully aligned smile. Aligners are created using AI and a digital scan of your current smile. Treatment time is typically around 3-9 months.

What are the pros of Invisalign?

1. The aligners are removable (and will need to be removed to eat)
2. Often quicker than option methods of straightening
3. Invisalign does not require as many dental appointments, because you are responsible for changing your aligners
4. You eat whatever you like
5. More discreet than Invisalign alternatives
6. You do not worry about broken brackets like metal braces

What are the cons of Invisalign?

1. You need to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day to make sure your treatment is successful
2. You can only drink water when you are wearing your aligners, drinking anything but water will stain your aligners
3. You cannot eat whilst wear your aligners

Now, let’s discuss traditional methods of straightening, and an invisalign alternative.

Traditional metal braces are what everyone thinks of when we discuss braces, they’re a less popular choice, due to the noticeability and bulkier structure. Metal braces, also known as train track braces, move your teeth with brackets and wires that your dentist will tighten during your appointments. Similar to Invisalign, your attachments will be removed at the end of your treatment with no damage done to your teeth. Typically metal braces have a treatment time longer than 12 months, but this can also be attributed to the more complex cases treated with this method. There are 2 types of metal braces, those that are fixed to the front of your teeth (a more popular option) and lingual braces, which are fixed to the back of the teeth. Whilst this option boasts a more hidden look it can irritate the mouth. Some dentists do not offer this option, and it’s always best to chat to your dentist about the best option for you.

What are the pros of metal braces?

1. Metal braces are better for more complex treatments
2. You cannot take the braces out and forget about them, which can happen with Invisalign
3. They’ll give you a smile to be proud of

What are the cons of metal braces

1. They can be slightly uncomfortable and irritate the inside of the mouth, however, your mouth will quickly adjust
2. They are not removable
3. They are not discreet

We’ve covered the two main types of braces, what are our thoughts?

We much prefer Invisalign for cases that fit the criteria. It’s discreet, more comfortable and can often be completed quicker. When we compare metal braces and Invisalign, cost-wise, there isn’t a massive difference, and it very much depends on the dentist you choose and your case complexity. Regardless of what method you choose, teeth straightening is a rewarding treatment that provides brilliant results. You will need to wear either a fixed/ permanent retainer (wire retainer) or a removable plastic retainer at night. You must wear your retainer or have a fixed retainer to keep your teeth in their corrected alignment.